Here are the highlights of Todd Orlando’s media availability on Wednesday:
- Orlando was asked about life without Holton Hill. He told Davante Davis there were two passes Hill would have intercepted against Kansas. Davis played with decent technique, at times, according to Orlando. However, Orlando said, “I think at times when he’s been in position to make plays, his mindset isn’t that way right now. That’s what we have to change. It’s like, you’re there, you’re a big/tall guy, we’re not in the business of just batting down balls. We’re not in the business of just being on guys and saying I covered them. We’re in the business of trying to pick balls off. That’s the biggest thing I’ve expressed to him.” However, Orlando said Davis is a better player now than last year.
- Orlando said West Virginia spreads out and gets guys in space. He later noted opposing defenses seem to struggle with taking down West Virginia quarterback Will Grier. In addition, Orlando said West Virginia is committed to running the football.
- When asked about the depth at cornerback behind Josh Thompson, Orlando jokingly said, “It probably ends up almost being me.” He did said John Bonney could see playing time on Saturday (Thompson is currently in the concussion protocol).
- Orlando said Grier is similar to Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, in terms of skill level. However, Orlando said Mayfield is different because of his personality.
- Orlando on how this season will be perceived: “I think it will be perceived on what we do in the next two games, honestly. I think that’s what it comes down to. There’s a lot of close ball games that we didn’t come through. When you look at those teams that we lost to, I don’t know how of them are in the top 12, but there are quite a few of them. I think what we do in the next two weeks will really kind of say what direction we’re headed to. We’re talking about West Virginia, but I know what is on everybody else’s mind. I get that part of it. I’m not naive to think that. It’s going to be a collection of these last two ball games that’s really going to put a stamp on this season.”
- Orlando said safety DeShon Elliott is one of the players who has exceeded his expectations. Up front, Poona Ford is better than he was last year, according to Orlando. On the other side, Orlando said he wants to see more plays out of Malcolm Roach, safety Brandon Jones, and the rest of his players on defense.
- Jason Hall played more last week because of Orlando believes he is a dynamic blitzer.
- Every Sunday, Orlando’s guys work on trying to create turnovers in practice. Orlando wants his players to think about stripping a ball instead of just throwing forearms when running into a pile.
- Orlando was asked about life without Holton Hill. He told Davante Davis there were two passes Hill would have intercepted against Kansas. Davis played with decent technique, at times, according to Orlando. However, Orlando said, “I think at times when he’s been in position to make plays, his mindset isn’t that way right now. That’s what we have to change. It’s like, you’re there, you’re a big/tall guy, we’re not in the business of just batting down balls. We’re not in the business of just being on guys and saying I covered them. We’re in the business of trying to pick balls off. That’s the biggest thing I’ve expressed to him.” However, Orlando said Davis is a better player now than last year.
- Orlando said West Virginia spreads out and gets guys in space. He later noted opposing defenses seem to struggle with taking down West Virginia quarterback Will Grier. In addition, Orlando said West Virginia is committed to running the football.
- When asked about the depth at cornerback behind Josh Thompson, Orlando jokingly said, “It probably ends up almost being me.” He did said John Bonney could see playing time on Saturday (Thompson is currently in the concussion protocol).
- Orlando said Grier is similar to Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, in terms of skill level. However, Orlando said Mayfield is different because of his personality.
- Orlando on how this season will be perceived: “I think it will be perceived on what we do in the next two games, honestly. I think that’s what it comes down to. There’s a lot of close ball games that we didn’t come through. When you look at those teams that we lost to, I don’t know how of them are in the top 12, but there are quite a few of them. I think what we do in the next two weeks will really kind of say what direction we’re headed to. We’re talking about West Virginia, but I know what is on everybody else’s mind. I get that part of it. I’m not naive to think that. It’s going to be a collection of these last two ball games that’s really going to put a stamp on this season.”
- Orlando said safety DeShon Elliott is one of the players who has exceeded his expectations. Up front, Poona Ford is better than he was last year, according to Orlando. On the other side, Orlando said he wants to see more plays out of Malcolm Roach, safety Brandon Jones, and the rest of his players on defense.
- Jason Hall played more last week because of Orlando believes he is a dynamic blitzer.
- Every Sunday, Orlando’s guys work on trying to create turnovers in practice. Orlando wants his players to think about stripping a ball instead of just throwing forearms when running into a pile.
